Bad news for Apple

Bad news for Apple

BERLIN - The Associated Press
Bad news for Apple

AP photo

A German court has ruled that Apple is infringing on one of Motorola's mobile data communication patents through its sales of iPhone and iPad devices.

The Mannheim state court on Friday granted Motorola unspecified damages for the use of its technology since 2003 and an injunction against sales of Apple Inc.'s mobile devices in Germany that is enforceable against a bond of 100 million euro ($134 million).

Apple Europe spokesman Alan Hely said the company will immediately appeal the ruling. He says: "Holiday shoppers in Germany should have no problem finding the iPad or iPhone they want." Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. welcomed the ruling in a statement but did not specify whether it seeks to block Apple's sales in Germany which could prove to be a costly move should the appeals court side with Apple.